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Local Briefs: Domestic violence awareness events set

From Staff Reports

In honor of Domestic Violence Awareness Month, two events will shine a light on the issue and offer community members information.

Center of Hope, a nonprofit organization that provides services for domestic violence victims, will host both events. The first — a Day to Take a Stand against domestic violence — will take place from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Friday at the organization’s facility at 2441 Park Plus Drive. The second — a candlelight vigil — will take place at 6 p.m. Oct. 24 at First United Methodist Church, 222 W. Seventh St.

Friday’s event will provide a carnival-like atmosphere with food and games, Center of Hope Executive Director Angela Slack said. Attendees will also be able to learn about the nonprofit’s services and tour the facility.

“This is an opportunity to get people in the door, to get face-to-face with the people serving the community,” Slack said. “It’s an opportunity to talk with us and learn more about what we’re doing.”

The vigil will take a more serious turn with domestic violence survivors sharing stories of their experiences, Slack said. Both events will show survivors and victims that the community stands behind them, she added.

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Convention

to discuss state of community

The second annual State of our Community Convention will take place Oct. 19.

The convention was originally planned for Sept. 14 but was postponed to show support for families that experienced recent deaths of their loved ones, according to a press release. It will now take place from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. at Highland Park Elementary School, 1606 Highland Ave.

The event began as a way to create positive dialogue about issues and opportunities in the community, the press release stated. This year’s theme is “Maximizing your Personal Economic Engine in the 21st Century” with community sponsorship by Community First Bank and Trust and First Farmers Bank.

For more information on SOC, visit the organization’s website at www.soctn.com.

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BZA meeting rescheduled

The October meeting of the Maury County Board of Zoning Appeals has been rescheduled at 4:30 p.m. Nov. 13 in the Tom Primm Commission Room in Columbia.

County Zoning Coordinator Deborah Boehms said the meeting scheduled for Wednesday was cancelled as two members were absent and a full quorum was not possible. She said the agenda for the October meeting will be forwarded to the Nov. 13 meeting along with any new applicants.

Boehms said a new agenda will be made available to the public for the Nov. 13 meeting as soon as it becomes available.

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CFD wins Battle of the Badges

The Columbia Fire Department won bragging rights as winner of the 2013 Battle of the Badges blood donation competition, the American Red Cross announced.

The “battle,” held Sept. 11, is a friendly contest between local law enforcement and first responders to see which outfit can attract enough blood donors to take top honors.

“The special event collected a total of 56 pints of lifesaving blood,” according to a Red Cross press release. “When you consider the fact one donation can help save up to three lives, 168 lives could have been saved from this one event.”

All donors were asked to vote for their favorite competing group, the release stated.

A trophy was awarded to the Columbia firefighters.

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Spring Hill hires assistant city administrator

Franklin’s former assistant director of engineering will take on a new position as Spring Hill’s director of utilities and assistant city administrator.

Dan Allen is an Indianapolis native and has held public works positions in his hometown as well as in Denver.

In Spring Hill, Allen will oversee all of the city’s utilities, including water, sewer, stormwater and streets. He began Sept. 30 after almost a year of searching for the right person, City Administrator Victor Lay said.

“I’ll be running all of those things while keeping up with the growth and helping to plan for the future,” Allen said, adding his experience will help him with this position.

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THP names

new captain

A former Pulaski police officer who went on to join the Tennessee Highway Patrol has been promoted to the rank of captain in that agency.

Michael McAlister, who began his THP career in 1997, is a second-generation trooper, according to a press release. His father, Clay McAlister, served in the THP Lawrenceburg District for 30 years.

As captain, McAlister will oversee the department’s Research, Planning and Development Division, the press release stated.

He previously served as lieutenant on the THP’s Criticial Incident Response Team, a group of troopers who respond to motor vehicle crashes across the state and help local and federal agencies investigate them.

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